I'll Be There (2003) Online

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and unexpectedly so. I am not Charlotte Church's number one fan, but all the same she was not as bad as people seem to think, and it's criminal that this movie was in and out of theatres almost straight away.

The plot is, I agree, similar to 'What a Girl Wants', but I think that they are different enough that you could see both and be quite happy.

Craig Ferguson was excellent, all the more so as he wrote and directed, and Joss Ackland and Jemma Redgrave contributed to a solid supporting cast.

I'd definitely give 4.5 out of 5 for this, only knocking off .5 as Imelda Staunton and Phyllida Law were somewhat wasted.

This movie had all of the elements of a good time. Wonderful cast, lots of laughing, music to tap your feet and terrific scenery. Craig Ferguson, did an outstanding tour de force with writing,acting etc. He's a joy to behold. Charlotte Church, moved me, she was just right, and her voice, like an angel. It's a movie for the whole family, without being a Disney movie. I am looking forward to seeing it again and again.

Why does every film have to have multiple meanings in order to be considered good?? This was a real surprise for me. Uncomplicated and fun, this Charlotte Church vehicle gave me 90 minutes of popcorn eating enjoyment. I felt Charlotte was perfect in this role and she acted with vetern-like ease.

The problem with critics these days is that they over-analyize every film to see if they meet some deep meanings. This was a film intended to be a feel good comedy and thats exactly what it does. The cast was great, and as an American I found some of the humor pretty funny. Lets not forget that the viewers get a chance to hear Charlotte's amazing voice, which is one of the most beautiful on earth.

I must admit I really enjoyed this film. Not because it had something profound to say, but simply because it is positive and has a very amusing, Scottish 'front man'. Craig, you're braw! You really can act the rock star from the smile to the stage appearance! I was also very impressed by Church - very natural. Maybe this film could help her go far?

I watched the film with commentary since Ferguson was commentating and found it rather amusing to note that he really had had a motorbike accident (not in the way described in the film) and had broken a rib and hurt his arm. Although you don't think about it in ignorance, it does explain a few things when you know. A must-see for everyone who doesn't stick there nose up at happy film :)

I actually only rented this on the chance that I would get to hear Charlotte Church sing. I wasn't expecting much out of the film or the acting. I was wrong. I laughed out loud in several spots, and was extrememly pleasantly surprised to see such good acting. Most of all by Miss Church. Who would think that someone with such stunning beauty and such a talented voice, could actually act.

The movie wasn't much of an inspiring romance, but it was a movie that was intedned to uplift you and inspire you to pursue your dreams. Entertaining to the last minute.

My whole family went to see this and we all enjoyed it. We think that it is a shame that it wasn't seen by more people. It was a good light- hearted film and the cast did it credit. I was not expecting such a good performance from Charlotte Church although she was really playing herself. If you don't expect high drama and sit back and relax, you should really enjoy it. I will certainly buy this video when it comes out on general release.

I found this movie to up upbeat and even a bit heartwarming. The plot was perhaps a little contrived, but I'm a sucker for happy endings and movies about families that, eventually at least, work it out.

Perhaps I have a better DVD than one of the other reviewers, because I found nothing wrong with the sound quality of the film. The acting wasn't up to Academy Award standards, was was quite good, and there were some very funny parts, although some of the "British" comments went over my American head. Charlotte Church's voice is always a pleasure to hear and while the songs in this movie weren't of the type she really excels in, she still has "the voice of an angel" and her singing alone would have made the film worthwhile. The other principal actors were quite good as well, and it was fun seeing Anthony Head play a low key villain after seeing him for so many years as Buffy's adviser and protector.

This may be THE "Feel Good" movie of the year ! What a great 2003 antidote the 2003 Evening news. The is not a movie for the deep thinking existential philosopher. Aging rocker finds out he has a 16 year old daughter isn't new..but... the whole thing is covered in very familiar,upbeat rock n roll sounds. The audience laughed and cried and laughed some more. We all left humming or whistling the songs. If you liked Craig Ferguson in "Saving Grace" ..go see "I'll Be There"

It was by pure coincidence that I saw this movie. When I heard that the movie flopped, I was very surprised. I considered it to be funny, entertaining and with great music. One of the best movies I saw in 2003, only to be beat by Amelie.

I had heard nothing of this film until I saw it arrive at the video store. It was a cute movie and the casting was great. I enjoy all of Craig Ferguson's work and he did a wonderful job once again. I don't think acting will be Church's forte nor singing anything other than her main lineup of music (I realized while watching this how different singing styles vary and if they can be pulled off by one person) Catch this film if you enjoy a nice, pleasing film and a good soundtrack.

I never got the chance to see the movie while it was in the theaters but I bought the DVD as soon as it came into the stores. I have been a big fan of Charlotte Church since I first heard her "Voice Of An Angel" CD. I was hesitant about her performance as an actor because I didn't want to witness her doing something less than brilliant. I was very pleased. Her acting ability is fabulous. She is definitely a multi talented performer. Bravo Charlotte.

I also loved the story line and scope of the movie. It made me laugh, cry and applaude several times through the movie.

I am very pleased that I bought the DVD. I watch it several times a month.

I bought this DVD in the cheap bin just to see Charlotte Church. I am a big fan of her singing and I figured it would be worth $5 to see her in this. What I got was a bigger, very pleasant surprise. This is a nice romantic comedy with well-drawn characters. Plus, young Charlotte shows that she is a very good, natural actress. And, she even does a bit of singing.

The main character is played by Craig Ferguson. He is Paul Kerr, an apparently washed-up, alcoholic rock musician. At the beginning we see him in a sad state, riding his off road motorbike inside his house, up the stairs, and right out the window and into the fountain below. In split screen we see young Olivia (Charlotte Church) practicing a hymn in church with her voice coach, contrasting the lives of Olivia and Paul. This is important as the story develops.

Jemma Redgrave plays Olivia's mum Rebecca. She and a partner run a hair styling business and Rebecca expects her daughter Olivia to join her in the business after she finishes school. But Olivia has no interest in that, she loves to sing.

So, this movie is about the various characters mending their attitudes, and healing old hurts. It is very well done, a very enjoyable movie that never gets dull. Charlotte sings a bit, but only a bit.

SPOILERS FOLLOW. We find out that Paul is really Olivia's father, and this all comes to light after Paul's fall, with everyone fearing he will die. But he is not badly injured. Still, they think he may be suicidal so he is put into a mental ward. Friends pretend to be his family, get him out, but an old musician friend and reformed alcoholic shows up to help Paul kick his habit. In the process he finds out that not only does he have a daughter, but she sings beautifully. Mum was been upset for 16 years because none of her letters were ever answered, but Paul found out that his manager never gave any of them to him. Long story short, Paul stays sober, he and Rebecca realize they have always loved each other, Olivia gets to go to London and study singing.

I can't remember having ever seen a movie with at least four lives depicted with so few words, with cross-cutting scenes, etc. and with the viewer never once getting lost. A gem of writing, acting and cinematic editing.

I'm really conflicted. I'll Be There has a lot to recommend it: It has some great writing, not half bad story management, good direction and performances, fun musical numbers that feel real, yet tight. And it *feels* wonderful.

But a few aspects of the final product threaten to "down" it. One has to do with the fact that the story is what I call "operatic", by which I mean that the story can be told in 50 words or less, and the success or failure of the flick comes down to whether it dealt effectively with that limitation. And there are times when one has to wonder. Also, there are moments where the ball on character development seems to be fumbled; folks say and do things, here and there, that seem to muddle their characters a bit.

But I can still recommend it. I notice that a lot of the folks here are fans of Ms. Church. I'm a fan of Ferguson, and this is my first encounter with Church. She was the weakest acting professional of the lot, and she was pretty darned good: I say this to emphasize the wicked good acting that infests the flick pretty much from beginning to end. At times I felt that there were individual scenes that were so good, they alone made me glad I watched the flick. An early scene in the pub with a knot of Kerr fans resolving their (initially) conflicted feelings about him was mindblowingly good!

I'd love to give the flick a higher rating, as I give high ratings to films that move me, which this one did... But I have to demur and back off a little: There were too many fleeting moments of balls getting dropped, and that seriously impacts the overall effect of a film.

Glad it was made: Good flick: Go watch it!

I was mesmerized by the music at the beginning of this film. Young Charlotte Church is an Angel from Heaven! I sort music into two categories, forgettable (most), and unforgettable (rare). The voices of Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, and Charlotte Church should be heard 500 years from now! Truly, Charlotte's singing in the beginning of this movie remains with me in my dreams, and is one of the very most unforgettable moments in music history! Another surprise is Craig Ferguson. Previously, I knew of him only from late night television. There was a competition to take over the Late Late Show, and many actors and comedians competed for the honor of hosting this show. Craig was the funniest and most natural of all the candidates, and I was cheering for him. He was selected, and I try to stay up late just to see him. When I saw this movie title, with Craig's name and photo, I rented it. I did not expect much. His performance, and then, yes, his direction, made me a Craig Ferguson movie fan! Hurray for both Charlotte and Craig in this very entertaining and heartwarming film!

12 October 2010. Before there was a television musical series Glee (2009) and two years after the blockbuster of Moulin Rouge (2001) that made the musical genre comeback and a year after that the Oscar Best Picture Chicago came out, the obscure English movie I'll Be There was released directed and written by Craig Ferguson who would become a major television network late-night talk show host on CBS. This family, drama, musical was a unique fusion of genres that took itself seriously. Mr. Ferguson's performance in contrast to his talk show host persona was not in evidence two years earlier and is a testament to his acting ability to portray a different character without the character types that often slip into an actor's roles on screen.

What makes this movie stand out is its integrity and commitment to developing its characters and storyline with more passion and depth, creating a substantive and compelling movie that sustains a level of interpersonal complexity and tension that is usually reserved for quality movies and avoided by low-budget, knock offs. While perhaps the storyline isn't very original, the script does an amazing job of fleshing out both the drama as well as the humor/comedy that never reaches the slapstick, dumb-downed comedy of mindless stand up comedy. The musical renditions are powerful and the beginning split between two musical scenes is an amazing and captivating opening and quickly captures the audiences attention with emotion.

If one attends to this movie carefully, Ferguson has crafted this movie with excellent editing, unique use of split screen and the interweaving of music with the storyline. The cinematography is actually some of the most well designed and the camera work nicely composed. It's really an amazing piece of work that balances wit, drama, and family entertainment.

In a number of ways, this is a family version of Moulin Rouge for young adults and it contains relevant themes for today's contemporary society that both can resonate for juveniles and parents alike.

Grace Slick, lead singer of the Jefferson Airplane, once said in an interview that there was something pathetic about 50-year-olds playing rock and roll. Grace should rent THIS film, if for no other reason than to see Joss Ackland as Evil Edmonds and his geriatric band, the BeeLzeeBOPS, prove you're NEVER too old to rock. I've been a fan of Ferguson since his days on the Drew Carey Show and enjoyed his two previous films, which he also co-wrote. Somehow I missed this one until recently, which is a shame since it's also his directorial debut. Much has been written about the film as a Charlotte Church vehicle which it really isn't. What it IS is a heart-warming family drama/comedy/musical about lost & re-found love, personal redemption, family values and friendship. Ferguson, who also wrote the screenplay, uses his own personal experiences as an 80's rocker and alcoholic to inform his story without descending into mawkish sentimentality.

Here Be Spoilers: The story revolves around Ferguson's Paul Kerr, an 80's rocker on the downside drinking his way into oblivion. After a drunken motorcycle accident lands him in the psych ward under suicide watch, he finds out he has a daughter named Olivia he never knew about, played quite winningly by Ms. Church, from a one-night-stand that he never forgot. This revelation, along with the arrival of his former band-mate and drummer, help him to quit drinking and begin to forge a relationship with his daughter both as a father and as a musician. This also allows him to finally reconnect with Olivia's mother, played quite well by Jemma Redgrave, while helping her to see her child's enormous gift and realize that he really HAS always loved only her. Toss in Joss Ackland's bravura performance as Olivia's Grand-dad, the aforementioned Evil Edmonds, an older, crustier, not-so-successful version of Kerr and you have the basic family. Add a great supporting cast of characters, a great screenplay that shows the humanity OF those characters and great singing from Church and what more do you need? Ferguson's Kerr, as the little boy who never had to grow up, stepping up as both a father and, ultimately, lover is dead on. Redgrave's Rebecca strikes the perfect tone showing her bitterness and anger towards Kerr as well as her vulnerability and love for her daughter. Church is a natural as Olivia, who loves her mother dearly but has music in her bones, a fact seen by Kerr, Evil Edmonds and, ultimately, by Rebecca herself.

So it ain't War and Peace. It's merely an excellent family movie which places it head and shoulders above the usual pedestrian family fare. THAT credit goes to writer/director Craig Ferguson. Bravissimo Craig. See this movie. You'll laugh, you'll cry. you'll sing along. If it can warm the heart of a jaded soul like me, then it ought to warm yours as well.

I stumbled across the movie flipping thru the movie channels and stopped to watch when I saw Craig (I regularly watch his Late, Late Show). I didn't realize it was Charlotte Church until the credits rolled. She stopped my 8 yr old girl in her tracks and she started watched when Charlotte sang at the Royal Academy scene. I really enjoyed the movie. Having watched his show for some time now it was easy to see the parallels he drew from his own life (drinking, sobriety, music, etc). The scene in which the two former band mates where joking about his wife's name being Nessie and they lived in Loch Ness..you could tell they were having a ball when they filmed it. The music scenes where a bit stiff for Craig and the father-in-law.

In the final credits it lists "in memory of David "Kam" Covner 1070-2002" Who is he? P.S. My wife and I both loved this little gem. Watched it on a cold and damp Saturday with smiles on our faces. Ms. Church has a sweet voice and she can act right there with the best of them. Craig Fergesun really fooled us though, we kind of thought that he was only good for late night television (and only just) when all of a sudden here's this real actor, playing a character with real acting skills.( I know that sounds bad Craig, sorry. I mean it as a complement.) Ms. Richardson, ah yes. What a beauty! She and Ms. Church really could be mother and daughter, both in looks and the way they interact with each other.

Olivia (Charlotte Church) is a sixteen year old with a heavenly voice. Her mother, Rebecca (Jemma Redgrave), however, will not allow her daughter to even imagine a career in music. That is because Olivia is the child of a weekend encounter Rebecca had with a rock star long ago. Voila. The rock star ends up in the hospital and soon after learns he has a lovely daughter. He never got Rebecca's letters of information, it seems. Can the aging rocker turn his life around and become a true father to his child? And, will Olivia be able to pursue a future that makes use of her stunning voice? This is a nice film in many ways. Church is great as the teenager and her voice is beyond compare. The other actors are also quite nice, the Wales setting is beautiful, and the movie's production values are more than adequate. Most important, the message of forgiveness resounds throughout the movie, a message that is needed by everyone. If you like music, romance, and humor, and who does not, get this very fine film at some point in the near future. It is a sweet movie that will make viewers everywhere feel on top of the world.

I suppose there's not much edge to a film where a dad learns he has a child, actually cares and actually becomes a loving man. Not much there, eh, folks? Is that what 'characterless' means? Should he have thrown a fit? Should she have gone Goth and taken up ska?

This is a sweet little film that failed to find an audience, which is a real shame. Craig Ferguson's script is sensible and caring and intelligent, as are the actors. The only possible quibble I have is that Phillipa Law might be underused. But then, her character wasn't really needed. Contrary to other opinions, Charlotte definitely managed to hold up her end. Was she given a Julia Stiles-level part. I think not, nor would that have been right to do.

Cute little film, with a good mix of music.

8 of 10.

After watching 'London City' I had flashbacks to this thankfully forgotten effort from a few years back.

From the opening scenes you get the feeling of a predictable, low budget, romantic piece of nonsense with the obvious predictable ending. The whole film had the feeling of a poorly acted school play, the flash back to the 80s scene was particularly hilarious where they somehow managed to make the characters look older with the appearance of 40 year olds going to an oldies night.

On the plus side for Charlotte Church, I doubt too many ever saw this, it truly is a poor piece of work, a DVD that would make a better drink's coaster than viewing if you were given as a Xmas present from the 99p bargain bin.

A problem with I'll Be There is that there are too many clichés in it. The entire opening scene with Paul Kerr's drunken accident is made up of pure clichés, and really doesn't give you a very good first impression of the movie.

But it's not a bad movie. It seems to be made partly to fictionalize Charlotte Church's real life, for reading her IMDb biography page, there seems to be a lot of details in the movie that are taken from her real life.

The movie would have been much better served being a straight drama rather than a part-time comedy. The comedy aspects of it weren't effective, and almost embarrassingly unfunny. If the movie had ditched the comedy part and spent some time exploring the story in more depth, it could have been a lot better. And would have been a lot sweeter, too.

7 out of 10.

A better than expected "star" vehicle for Charlotte Church's film debut. She inevitably gets some criticism for just being herself in normal life but in this film she is at least as good as most 16 year old actresses with possibly rather more training would be albeit it's true that to some extent she is playing herself. I've always thought Jemma Redgrave to be a wooden actress but she isn't too bad here and does a good job of looking extremely proud of her daughter by the end. The flashback when she plays herself at 18 stretches the imagination though.

Joss Ackland is quite effective as the old rocker of a grandfather. He seems to be having a ball singing with the rock band and it is his own voice. I just about remembered he has sung in the past and played Juan Peron on the original album of Evita.

Craig Ferguson is in mixed form as the rock star. Early on he is a caricature and doesn't act very well in the attempt but as the character calms down he gives a better performance.

Overall a good family film - A predictable ending (It was obvious what Charlotte's closing song in the film would be from very early on - Anbd the title gave another clue) but none the worse for that.

unfortunately not many of them were in this film. It was made up of mostly English trying to pass themselves off as Welsh and doing it badly.

Otherwise I would agree with the current 6.4ish rating. Charlotte Church was quite good for her first film. Craig Ferguson was entertaining and Jemma Redgrave was nice to look at.

It was a feel good movie that was done better than most of the tosh that is factory produced in the states.